Lilith (not her real name) was trafficked from Nicaragua as a teenager and now lives in Costa Rica

Armed conflict not only exacerbates the risk of grave violations for children, but also significantly increases the likelihood of children being trafficked, according to a new UN study. The study highlights the urgent need to strengthen protection measures and accountability to prevent child trafficking.

The groundbreaking report was co-authored by Gamba, Chief of the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and Mulali, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children.

The report provides an in-depth analysis of the links between child trafficking and six grave violations suffered by children caught up in war. These include recruitment and use, killing and maiming, sexual violence, abductions, attacks on schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian assistance.

The report, which focuses on child trafficking in seven regions, including Colombia, reveals that armed conflict significantly increases the risk of child trafficking.

Intertwined risks

"This study reveals the interlinkages and overlaps between child trafficking and the six grave violations, while reflecting the fact that existing legal and policy measures are often fragmented," Gamba said. ”

The report notes that trafficking in children in armed conflict takes many forms, including sexual exploitation and slavery, child marriage and recruitment for war. This tactic has long been used by warring parties to control and intimidate communities, as well as to support and sustain conflicts.

Gender and cross-border dimensions

The study highlights that the risk of child trafficking is gendered. Girls are often the main targets of sexual exploitation and forced marriage, while boys are more likely to be recruited into the armed forces.

The report also notes that trafficking in children in armed conflict can have both domestic and cross-border dimensions. For example, since the beginning of the conflict more than a decade ago, child trafficking in Syria has taken on a variety of forms and locations, including the abduction and transfer of Yezidi girls from Iraq for the purpose of sexual slavery and forced marriage, while local Sunni Syria families have consented to or are forced to marry girls to members of ISIL.

Lack of accountability

Murali said the study addresses a key gap in policies and practices to protect children in armed conflict. She noted that there had been limited attention to child trafficking prevention and accountability.

"The lack of accountability for child trafficking further exacerbates the ongoing cycle of impunity," she said. ”

Recommendations for action

The report recommends the full implementation of the principle of non-punishment, emphasizing that trafficked children are victims rather than accomplices and that victims should be identified at an early stage.

Other recommendations stressed the importance of States preventing child trafficking and long-term protection of victims, including addressing poverty and gender inequality, ensuring universal registration of all children, and eradicating statelessness.